Where to Find Brixadi Treatment for Opioid Addiction in Asheville, NC?

Brixadi (buprenorphine) represents a breakthrough in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). Unlike traditional daily films or tablets, Brixadi is a long-acting subcutaneous injection that uses advanced FluidCrystal® technology to offer a more consistent and reliable treatment. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we provide this innovative therapy to help patients stabilize their brain chemistry and support long-term recovery from opioid addiction.

The active ingredient, buprenorphine, is a “partial opioid agonist.” In the brain, opioids like heroin or fentanyl bind to mu-opioid receptors, causing a large release of dopamine, which results in a euphoric high. Brixadi binds to these same receptors but only partially activates them, providing just enough stimulation to reduce painful withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the intense high. This helps patients feel stable and in control, allowing them to focus on their recovery without the overwhelming urges to use opioids.

A unique benefit of Brixadi is its high binding affinity. It binds more tightly to opioid receptors than most other opioids. This means that if a person on Brixadi attempts to use a full agonist, the receptors are already occupied, blocking the effects of the other opioid. Additionally, buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect,” meaning that even at higher doses, it does not cause the dangerous respiratory depression associated with opioid overdose.

What makes Brixadi even more effective is its FluidCrystal delivery system. Upon injection, Brixadi transforms into a liquid crystalline gel under the skin, releasing a steady, consistent stream of medication over the course of a week or month. This eliminates the peaks and valleys of daily dosing, offering a stable foundation for recovery. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we are committed to providing Brixadi as part of a holistic approach to opioid addiction recovery.

Brixadi has become a primary option for individuals diagnosed with moderate-to-severe Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). However, certain clinical criteria must be met to ensure safety and treatment efficacy. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we focus on providing individualized care to ensure that Brixadi is the right choice for each patient.

The primary candidates for Brixadi are adults with a confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis of OUD. Since Brixadi contains buprenorphine, candidates must be prepared to transition from full opioids. For those not currently on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), a “test dose” of transmucosal (oral) buprenorphine is typically required to ensure the medication is tolerated without causing precipitated withdrawal, a sudden and intense onset of withdrawal symptoms. This step ensures a safe transition into treatment.

Brixadi offers both weekly and monthly dosing, making it suitable for different stages of recovery. Weekly candidates are often individuals new to treatment, those requiring frequent dosage adjustments, or those who benefit from regular clinical check-ins. Monthly candidates are typically those who have achieved clinical stability and prefer fewer office visits. This option is often ideal for patients with busy schedules or those who need to travel frequently.

It is important to note that not everyone is a candidate for Brixadi. Individuals with severe hepatic (liver) impairment may need alternative treatments, as the liver processes buprenorphine. Additionally, the best candidates are those committed to a holistic approach, integrating Brixadi treatment with counseling and behavioral therapies. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we emphasize that medication alone is not the solution, and we support our patients with comprehensive care for lasting recovery.

The introduction of Brixadi has revolutionized the treatment of opioid addiction by addressing the “human element” of recovery—specifically adherence, privacy, and safety. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we emphasize the key benefits of Brixadi as a long-acting injectable that enhances the recovery process for individuals struggling with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).

Benefits of Brixadi Treatment:

• Elimination of Daily Dosing (Improved Adherence): Traditional OUD treatments often require daily pills or films, which can easily be forgotten, lost, or skipped. Brixadi eliminates the “burden of choice.” Once administered, the patient is protected for 7 to 28 days, significantly reducing the risk of relapse due to missed doses.

• Enhanced Privacy and Reduced Stigma: Brixadi offers a level of discretion that daily medications cannot. With no prescription bottles to carry and no daily trips to the pharmacy or methadone clinic, patients can maintain their privacy and move through their professional and social lives without the stigma often associated with treatment.

• Safety and Prevention of Misuse: Brixadi is administered exclusively by healthcare providers in a clinical setting, eliminating the risk of “diversion” (sharing or selling medication). The steady-state delivery of buprenorphine prevents blood-level fluctuations that can trigger cravings, helping patients focus on the psychological aspects of recovery rather than just managing withdrawal symptoms.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we are committed to providing Brixadi as an effective and discreet treatment option to help individuals recover from opioid addiction.

When starting a new recovery journey, patients often ask: “How soon will I feel better?” With Brixadi, the timeline to relief is designed to be both rapid and sustainable, following a specific clinical protocol to ensure safety. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we focus on providing quick relief while guiding patients through a personalized recovery process.

For patients transitioning from short-acting opioids, Brixadi treatment typically begins once they are in a state of mild-to-moderate withdrawal. After a successful oral test dose, the first weekly injection begins working within hours. Buprenorphine quickly binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, and most patients report a significant reduction in withdrawal symptoms and cravings within the first 24 to 48 hours. This immediate relief helps patients regain stability, reducing the intense cravings that can derail their recovery efforts.

While the initial relief is fast, achieving a “steady state” where the level of medicine in the blood remains constant takes a bit longer. For the weekly formulation, steady-state plasma levels are typically reached after about four consecutive doses, which usually takes around one month. The monthly version may take a similar timeframe to stabilize fully. During this period, healthcare providers may adjust the dosage (titration) to ensure that the patient feels “normal” and free from cravings. This careful titration process allows patients to experience consistent, effective relief.

One distinct advantage of Brixadi over other injectables like Sublocade is its ability to start treatment sooner in the recovery process. Brixadi can be initiated after just one day of oral buprenorphine, allowing patients to transition from active opioid use to long-acting protection more quickly. By the end of the first week, most patients experience a “leveling out” of emotions and physical symptoms, providing the clarity needed to engage in counseling and focus on long-term recovery at Ascension Solutions Treatment.

Brixadi treatment with Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, at Ascension Solutions Treatment offers a highly effective solution for those struggling with opioid addiction in Asheville, NC. Dr. Hall combines his expertise in addiction medicine with the innovative benefits of Brixadi, a long-acting buprenorphine injection that helps patients manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Unlike traditional daily pills or films, Brixadi is administered in a clinical setting, providing a steady stream of medication that eliminates the highs and lows of daily dosing. This approach makes it easier for patients to stay focused on their recovery without the constant reminder of their addiction.

Dr. Hall’s personalized care approach ensures that each patient receives the right treatment for their unique needs. Brixadi is ideal for patients who require both immediate relief and long-term stability in their recovery process. By offering both weekly and monthly formulations, Dr. Hall can tailor the treatment to fit the patient’s progress and lifestyle. Whether transitioning from active opioid use or seeking to maintain a stable recovery, Brixadi allows patients to regain control and reduce cravings. With Dr. Hall’s guidance at Ascension Solutions Treatment, individuals in Asheville, NC, can find the support they need to overcome opioid addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 875 A Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805. We serve patients from Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview NC, Azalea NC, Royal Pines NC, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.